Sentinel Watch July 4, 2011 Issue

Earthquakes—and praying about ‘the big one’

Robert Storm

Those of us living on the West Coast of the United States regularly read in the news of how cities here are preparing for “The Big One”—an earthquake expected to reach extreme proportions, followed by a potentially destructive tsunami. Even prior to the recent catastrophe in Japan, scientists emphasized that the likelihood of this happening is inevitable. Citizens are strongly encouraged to be prepared for such a disaster, with hopes of minimizing the prospect of extensive property damage and loss of life.

There is a spiritual basis for going beyond a hope of minimal damage, however. Through prayer, it’s possible to reject the idea that devastation and loss of life are ever part of God’s plan for His children, and affirm that divine protection and guidance are always operating in our lives. The book of Psalms says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. . . . Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof” (46:1, 3). Prayerfully, we can discover the immediacy and accessibility of the ever-present Christ, which reveals God’s protective nature anywhere. Prayer serves as an important and essential preparation for facing each day with fearless expectancy and certainty of good, dissolving the fear that we are at the mercy of destructive natural forces, or that a natural disaster can separate anyone from God’s care.

Many years ago I was caught in a small earthquake when living near a coastal city in central California. While walking outdoors, I was surprised when the ground suddenly began shaking vigorously, causing me to get down on my hands and knees for a few seconds until all waving motion of the land surface ceased. I was able to get up unharmed and continue on my way, but was startled at how helpless I had felt.